Control and Home Media Systems

The Xbox One X handles 4K video out of the box-- and after an app update it can also stream YouTube in 4K at up to 60fps, providing owners of 4K TVs to invest the latest Microsoft console.

Technically Microsoft has been supporting 4K video since 2016 with the launch of the Xbox One S, the smaller version of the Xbox One with 4K and HDR playback capabilities. However Google took its time to roll out support for the format. Currently only the Xbox One X handles 4K YouTube, but the Xbox One S should receive an update soon enough.

RTI presents a custom control kit-- the C2K1, a package integrating Pro Control solutions into the RTI control platform for the first time, providing customers with a jump start into home automation.

The kit bundles an XP-3 control processor, Pro Control Pro24.z remote and an unlimited RTiPanel license. The processor features a built-in ZigBee RF transceiver to allow bi-directional communications with compatible RTI and Pro Control remote controls. In addition to control options (including IR, RS-232 and relays) the XP-3 uses two-way drivers to provide uers with feedback from 3rd party devices and event scheduling.

iPort announces an alternative means to directly control Sonos devices-- the xPRESS, described by the company as the first wifi keypad dedicated to the wireless speaker platform.

The xPRESS keypad pairs with any Sonos device via wifi. It has play/pause, track forward, volume and Sonos favourites buttons, and can control an entire Sonos home sound system when grouped in party mode. The actual device is portable, and powered via rechargeable lithium battery promising 4-6 months of use on a single charge.

RTI announces a special edition of the T3x handheld system control-- one with a white finish, part of a 25th anniversary celebration allowing dealers to vote on their favourite finish colour.

The T3x remote was first shown off in different finishes back at ISE 2017. In the aforementioned special edition colour vote, the white finish won by a landslide, leading to the white version of the flagship remote.

The Echo Show-- the touchscreen-equipped Echo device-- heads to Europe, as the online retailer turned device maker Amazon opens preorders in Germany and the UK.

The Echo Show does everything regular Echo devices do, only with the addition of a 7-inch touchscreen and a camera. Thus it allows for video calls, fullscreen cards for answers to queries and online video viewing (but not YouTube videos, since Google blocked access on the Amazon device for some reason).

Finally the device also pairs with home automation products via Alexa Skills, including baby monitors from Ring and Arlo, Philips Hue smart lights, and thermostats from the likes of ecobee and WeMo.

A redesigned UI of the initial ProVue web releases simplifies setup and management without sacrificing the power of Ihiji solutions. Meanwhile improved Invision features use the Ihiji device module and identification library for auto-discovery, device identification, setup and deep insights.

A ProVue Mobile app allows field technicians to more easily configure and discover devices on-site, as well as manage all power reboots while on-the-go. Another addition is HomeVue, a means for customers to get a snapshot of system health and perform self-help reboots.

The pre-Gamescom 2017 Microsoft press conference has the company open preorders for the upcoming Xbox One X with a special edition of the console-- the Project Scorpio Edition.

Named after the machine's original code name, the Project Scorpio Edition has a custom gradient design on the exterior, together with the Project Scorpio branding stamped on the controller and console. Meanwhile the retail packaging features a giant X reminiscent of the original Xbox.

However one has to keep in mind the Scorpio Edition is identical to the regular Xbox One X-- it is simply something special for the fans and early adopters.

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